Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck finished second to Ryan Fitzpatrick in preseason touchdown passes while producing a sterling 108.3 passer rating. Just imagine what he can accomplish now that his two starting tight ends, feature back and left tackle are getting healthy.
Talented second-year tight ends Coby Fleener (knee) and Dwayne Allen (foot) both returned to practice Monday. Coach Chuck Pagano confirmed that Allen was "full-go" in the tight end's first practice since sustaining a foot injury nearly one month ago.
Coming off two offseason foot procedures, Ahmad Bradshaw looked "pretty good" in Monday's practice, Pagano said. The Colts have a "number of plays" in mind for Bradshaw, who will split the backfield workload with Vick Ballard and Donald Brownagainst the Raiders on Sunday.
Pagano added that left tackle Anthony Castonzo should return from his MCL sprain in time to practice Thursday and play in the season opener.
A healthy Colts offense should have little trouble moving the ball against a capitulating Oakland Raiders front seven that failed to rush the passer or stop the run in preseason action.
More injury updates from around the league:
»Chris Clemons is slated to return to Seattle Seahawks practice Wednesday, per The Associated Press. The team's sack leader over the past two years has been out since suffering a torn ACL and meniscus during January's wild-card win against the Redskins. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Clemons won't play Week 1 versus the Panthers.
»Rob Gronkowski (back) graduated to 11-on-11 drills in Monday's practice. The Boston Herald hears "whispers" that Gronkowski could play as early as The New England Patriots' Week 2 tilt against the Jets.
»Giants stars Victor Cruz and Jason Pierre-Paul both participated in Monday's practice. Although Cruz pronounced himself "good to go" for the season opener, the outlook isn't as rosy for Pierre-Paul.
»Arizona Cardinals running back Rashard Mendenhall (knee) and tight end Rob Housler (ankle) were held out of practice Monday. Housler's status remains day-to-day for Sunday's game versus the St. Louis Rams. Coach Bruce Arians said Mendehall will be ready for the opener: "I did not let him go today, but he's more than ready," Arians said.
»Titans wide receiver Kendall Wright (knee) and linebacker Akeem Ayers (ankle) practiced Monday after missing Tennessee's final two preseason games. Coach Mike Munchak indicated that both players are a "go" for Sunday's opener at Pittsburgh.
» The Cincinnati Enquirer views Bengals left tackle Andrew Whitworth's status as "extremely cloudy" for Sunday's opener versus the Chicago Bears. The Bengals' most important offensive lineman missed the entire preseason with a knee injury.
»Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (foot) sat out Monday's practice after returning to a limited session Sunday.
»Steelers rookie running back Le'Veon Bell is shooting for a Week 2 return from a Lisfranc injury, but he's not making any promises. Isaac Redman (shoulder) ran with the first-team offense Monday.
»San Diego Chargers wide receiver Eddie Royal (lung, concussion) and defensive end Corey Liuget (shoulder) both resumed practicingon Monday. Rookie linebacker Manti Te'o (foot) remains out and the Chargers are not counting on him for Sunday's game.
»New York Jets receiver Santonio Holmes (foot) is practicing again Monday. It looks like he has a chance to square off against Darrelle Revison Sunday.
»Raiders tight end David Ausberry, expected to be the starter, still is out with a shoulder injury.
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